FORMER President Rodrigo Roa Duterte clarified his stance on the current push for Charter change (Cha-cha).
“But I will begin by reading our Constitution, the Fundamental Law where every Filipino, even the ants, should adhere to this document which we call the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines,” Former President Rodrigo Duterte stated.
Former President Duterte assumed the role of a law professor in front of thousands at the Defend the Flag Peace Rally in Tagum City recently.
His lecture focused on the term limits of the President and Vice President under the 1987 Constitution and pointed out the 6-year term limit for the respective positions.
“The president, let me repeat, the president shall not be eligible for any reelection, no person who has succeeded him as vice president and served for such for more than four years shall be qualified for election to the same office… that’s two, president and vice president,” FPRRD added.
However, amidst current events, the former President is uneasy about the administration’s push for Charter change (Cha-cha).
Duterte alleges that the true aim here is term extension.
Thus, his supposed retirement from politics has been delayed due to the Cha-cha issue.
“I didn’t want to join this, but I was forced because I no longer like what’s happening in our country.”
“Two words only. They will just take it. For a term of 6 years. They will just add, they shall be eligible for another reelection until their death. Disgusting,” said FPRRD.
Duterte previously mentioned he’s not against Cha-cha as long as the current officials won’t take advantage of it.
This includes his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.
To recall, the recent issue of the signature campaign or the controversial People’s Initiative supposedly to amend economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
However, according to Duterte, the advocates of PI are truly aiming to extend their term limits under the guise of pushing for economic provisions.
“You know, it’s disgusting that this person, this administration is trying to change the Constitution. To change— to remove the six years and extend it. Because here, it’s one term six years only. Now, they will make a new Constitution—what they call Cha-Cha, Constitutional Change,” FPRRD added.
“All of this is being driven by Liza Marcos. And her long-term goal, what Liza Marcos wants, is to make her son president too,” according to Atty. Glenn Chong, Anti-election Fraud Advocate.
A stern warning is given by the veteran official to President Marcos if he insists on Cha-cha.
“Mr. President, I hope that you will be able to recall what happened to your Father. See to it, that you might follow in your father’s footsteps if you insist,” FPRRD said.
“You don’t agree, that’s my only message. You don’t agree to it, why? Is Marcos worthy of prolonging his stay? (No!) Is Marcos worthy of another term? (No!) What’s his capability? (Incompetent!),” he added.
